Sport Pilot Talk

Is the sport pilot knowledge test the same material as the private or is it less material?

A bit less material but not dramatically so - if you are trying to decide if to go private or sport based on how much more you have to learn, then imho going private is always the right answer unless you can’t get your medical or expect getting it to be an expensive and long process ...

I've never seen a Sport Pilot written, but probably very similar except you would need to know the pilot privileges and limitations and requirements for the pertinent certificate.

Can i sit for the private pilot test but just peruse my sport pilot license? Or sport pilots must sit for sport pilot test?

Atrosa wrote:Can i sit for the private pilot test but just peruse my sport pilot license? Or sport pilots must sit for sport pilot test?

The private pilot knowledge test will not work for sport pilot. You need the specific test for the rating you are seeking. There is nothing that says you can't study for and take both test. Most of the study material is the same, but you will need to know the differences between the two. The downside is the extra $165 test fee.

Having taken both tests (Sport twice, most recently just last summer), and received 90%+ on all, the tests are very similar. The PP (60 questions) included VOR navigation and questions regarding entry into ABC airspace and some IMC. That was 5 years ago, so it may have changed. Weather, basic avionics, and aerodynamics are the same questions, as are sectionals and VFR navigation. The SP (40 questions) includes (maybe) 1 or 2 questions regarding ultralights (2-stroke motors), "VFR flight only", and other restrictions unique to SP. Medical and Fit to Fly questions are similar, except PP includes requirements for Class 123 medicals. Since that was 5 years ago, there may be something about Basic Med now. The most sure-fire way to ensure a good score is to get an online study course. I will shamelessly put in a plug for Sporty's, as their online course includes PP, RP, and SP. Very comprehensive, and updated periodically. Best of luck to you!

At some point, you have to commit to Sport Pilot or Private Pilot. You might as well wait until then to take the appropriate written. Personally, I see no reason to take the written any sooner than necessary. You can start out studying for the Sport Pilot written, then switch to Private Pilot written if you go that way.